Shapewear garment

ABSTRACT

A shape enhancing garment includes a garment shell and a garment lining permanently affixed to the shell to form a garment. The garment lining is stretchable 40-100% along the wale and 50-100% along the course, and the garment lining is sized to apply compression to a body of a wearer of the garment. Preferably, the garment lining is made of one or more of a circular knit fabric consisting essentially of spandex and polyester, which stretches 40-100% along the wale and 50-100% along the course; and a stretch powernet fabric consisting essentially of spandex and nylon, which stretches 50-100% along the wale and 50-100 along the course.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/458,160, filed Nov. 19, 2010, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The term shapewear refers to garments that apply compression and contourto body portions of the wearer to improve his or her appearance by, forexample, shaping the body to appear more lean or to improve the overallfigure of the wearer. Conventional shapewear is incorporated intoundergarments, such as girdles, for shaping the abdomen, and panties orbriefs, for shaping the buttocks and lower abdomen.

Conventionally, shapewear is either the undergarment itself, or is sewnor otherwise attached to an undergarment. For example, US 2010/0099332A1purports to describe a shapewear that includes a one-piece foundation,where the foundation includes a compression material having at least onearea of firm support and at least one area of light support; and atleast one resealable thong-like seam.

U.S. 2011/0207382 A1 purports to describe stretchable undergarment thatcomprises a one-piece body slimming unit made of front and rear panelscut and sewn along the edges to form a tubular body shaping garmentconstruction which is stretchable in the longitudinal direction, andhaving a lightweight zippered opening along the front. The undergarmentis purportedly made from a woven stretchable satin material containing asmall amount of thin spandex-type elastic fibers fanning a predominatelyone-way vertical stretch in a base textile fabric made from thinpolymeric textile fibers such as nylon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a shapeenhancing garment comprises a garment shell and a garment liningpermanently affixed to the shell to form a garment. The garment liningis stretchable 40-100% along the wale and 50-100% along the course, andthe garment lining is sized to apply compression to a body of a wearerof the garment. Preferably, the garment lining is made of one or more ofa circular knit fabric consisting essentially of spandex and polyester,which stretches 40-100% along the wale and 50-100% along the course, anda stretch powernet fabric consisting essentially of spandex and nylon,which stretches 50-100% along the wale and 50-100 along the course.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present inventionreferred to herein as a slimming embodiment, the garment may be a dress,a jumper, a romper, a top, pants, shorts, or skirts. If the garment is atop, dress, jumper, or romper, a grain of the garment liner preferablyis horizontally across the garment, the garment liner is secured to anempire seam of the garment shell, and the garment liner extends downwardfrom the empire seam to surround at least a torso, buttocks, and outerthighs of the wearer to provide compression thereof. If the garment is atop, a grain of the garment liner preferably is horizontally across thegarment, the garment liner is secured to an empire seam of the garmentshell, and the garment liner extends downward from the empire seam tosurround at least a torso of the wearer to provide compression thereof.Preferably, the liner is substantially free of other connection to theshell such that the liner has 360 degrees of freedom from the shellbelow the empire seam on 95% of the length of the liner below the empireseam. Preferably, the circular knit fabric discussed above is used asthe liner in the foregoing embodiments. If the garment is pants, shorts,or a skirt, the garment liner is preferably formed in the shape ofshorts. In this embodiment, a grain of the garment liner is preferablyvertically along the garment, the garment liner is secured to waistbandof the garment shell, the garment liner extends downward from thewaistband to surround at least a buttocks, inner and outer thighs of thewearer to provide compression thereof, and the liner has no seams on theouter thigh.

Preferably, the liner in this embodiment is a stretch powernet fabricconsisting essentially of spandex and nylon, which stretches 50-100%along the wale and 50-100 along the course.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present inventionreferred to herein as a slimming and support embodiment, the garment mayalso be a dress, a jumper, a romper, or a top. If the garment is adress, jumper or romper, a grain of the garment liner is preferablyhorizontally across the garment, the garment liner includes a pair ofshoulder straps defining arm holes for the garment liner, the linershoulder straps are secured to the shoulder seam allowance of thegarment shell, and the garment liner extends downward from the arm holesto surround at least a torso, buttocks, and outer thighs of the wearerto provide compression thereof. If the garment is a top, a grain of thegarment liner is preferably horizontally across the garment, the garmentliner includes a pair of shoulder straps defining arm holes for thegarment liner, the liner shoulder straps are secured the shoulder seamallowance of the garment shell, and the garment liner extends downwardfrom the arm holes to surround at least a torso of the wearer to providecompression thereof. Preferably, the liner is substantially free ofother connection to the shell such that the liner has 360 degrees offreedom from the shell below the liner shoulder straps on 95% of thelength of the liner below the liner shoulder straps. In the slimming andsupport embodiment, the liner may further include a shelf bra, where theshelf bra includes a rigid center front fabric insert and an empireseam, and an elastic tape sewn into the empire seam to provide bustsupport. Alternatively, the liner may include a 4 panel piece open bustwith an empire seam, with a Lastin elastic tape sewn into the empireseam. Preferably, the circular knit fabric discussed above is used asthe liner in this embodiment.

In accordance with a further embodiment described herein as a rearenhancing embodiment, the garment can be pants, shorts, and skirts, thegarment liner is formed in the shape of shorts, and the liner is securedto a waistband of the garment shell. Preferably, the liner is a circularknit fabric consisting essentially of spandex and polyester, whichstretches 40-100% along the wale and 50-100% along the course, and thecircular knit fabric is reinforced with stretch powernet panels at awearers hips, rear thighs, and under the buttocks. Preferably, thestretch powernet fabric consists essentially of spandex and nylon, whichstretches 50-100% along the wale and 50-100 along the course. The linermay also include a cotton gusset.

In accordance with a further embodiment described herein as a tummycontrol embodiment, the garment can be pants, shorts, or a skirt. Thegarment liner is secured to a waistband of the garment shell, and thegarment liner is a three part garment liner. The three part garmentliner has two front panels and a back panel, and each of the panels aresecured at a side seam. The front panels and rear panel are made of astretch powernet fabric consisting essentially of spandex and nylon,which stretches 50-100% along the wale and 50-100 along the course, anda grain of the garment liner is vertically along the garment.Preferably, the front panels have a single layer of the stretchpowernet, and the rear panel has a double layer of the stretch powernet.In addition to being secured to the waistband and side seams, the linermay also be secured to the garment at a center front zipper of thegarment. Rigid front pocket bag linings, when front pockets are part ofthe shell garment's styling, may extend from side seam to the centerfront zipper to reinforce the slimming front panel liner.

In accordance with a further embodiment described herein as a smoothingand slimming embodiment, the garment can be pants, shorts, dresses orskirts. Preferably, the garment is made of a circular knit fabricconsisting essentially of spandex and polyester which stretches 40-100%along the wale and 50-100% along the course, and the garment liner is astretch powernet fabric consisting essentially of spandex and nylon,which stretches 50-100% along the wale and 50-100 along the course. Ifthe garment is a dress, the liner preferably extends from an empire seamof the garment downward over the center abdomen. The liner may alsoextend up from the empire seam to provide front and back bust support.If the garment is pants, shorts, or skirts, the liner preferably extendsdownward from the waistband along the hips and lower abdomen of thewearer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1( a-d) illustrates an shelf bra liner for a shelf bra dress inaccordance with a slimming and support embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 2( a-b) illustrates an open bust liner for an open bra dress inaccordance with a slimming and support embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 3( a-b) shows an assembled shelf bra dress including shell andliner in accordance with a slimming and support embodiment of FIG. 1(a-d);

FIGS. 3( c-d) shows an assembled open bust dress including liner andshell in accordance with a slimming and support embodiment of FIGS. 2(a-b);

FIG. 4 (a,b) illustrates a dress liner in accordance with a slimmingembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 (a,b) illustrates an pant liner in accordance with a slimmingembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6( a,b) illustrates the pant liner of FIG. 5 together with a pantshell in accordance with a slimming embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7( a,b) illustrate a front and back of a face side of a pant linerin accordance with a rear enhancing embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7( c,d) illustrate a front and back of an inside of a pant liner inaccordance with a rear enhancing embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8( a,b) illustrates the pant liner of FIG. 7 together with a pantshell to form a rear enhancing shapewear garment in accordance with arear enhancing embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9 (a,b) illustrate the front and back respectively of a liner inaccordance with a tummy control embodiment of the present invention fromthe face side.

FIG. 10( a,b) illustrates the front and back respectively of the linerof FIG. 9 together with a pant shell to form a tummy control shapeweargarment.

FIGS. 11 (a,b) illustrate the front and back respectively of face sideof a dress according a smoothing and slimming embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12( a,b) illustrates the front and back respectively of an interiorside of the dress of FIG. 11, including a smoothing and sliming liner inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13( a,b) illustrates the front and back respectively of the dressof FIG. 11 from the internal side, and including additional liners foran shelf bra.

FIGS. 14 (a,b) illustrate the front and back respectively of face sideof a skirt according a smoothing and slimming embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15( a,b) illustrates the front and back respectively of an interiorside of the skirt of FIG. 14, including a liner in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention, ashapewear garment is provided where the shape enhancing component isintegrated into the garment itself. As used herein, the term garment isused in accordance with ordinary meaning to refer to an article ofclothing, such as pants, dresses, shirts, and exclusive ofundergarments, such as foundations, underwear, brassieres, and exclusiveof overgarments such as coats and jackets.

In accordance with certain embodiments, the shape enhancing componentincludes a circular knit fabric composed of spandex (preferably about4%) and polyester (preferably about 96%), which stretches 40-100%(preferably about 41% (+/−5%)) along the wale and 50-100% (preferablyabout 53% (+1-5%)) along the course. In other embodiments, the shapeenhancing component includes a stretch powernet fabric composed ofspandex (about 18%+/−5%) and nylon (about 82%+/−5%), which stretches50-100% (preferably about 57% (+/−5%)) along the wale and 50-100%(preferably about 74% (+/−5%)) along the course. These shape enhancingcomponents can also be combined in single garment. Further, as describedbelow, other aspects of the integrated garment can further enhance theperformance of the garment including particular seams, stitches, elastictapes, as described below.

Set forth below are descriptions of five embodiments of shapeweargarments: i) a slimming embodiment, which can be used in camisoles,tank-tops (tanks), tee-shirts (tees), blouses, shirts, or other tops;dresses; skirts; or pants; ii) a slimming and support embodiment, whichcan be used in shelf bra camisoles, shelf bra tanks, shelf bra tees, orother shelf bra tops, shelf bra dresses, shelf bra jumpsuits andrompers, open bust camisoles, open bust tanks, open bust tees or otheropen bust tops, open bust dresses, open bust jumpsuits and rompers; iii)a smoothing and slimming embodiment which can be used in camisoles,tanks, or other tops, dresses, skirts, or pants; a rear enhancingembodiment which can be used in skirts, pants, jeans, and shorts; andiv) a tummy control embodiment which can be used in pants, jeans,skirts, and shorts.

Slimming and Support

FIGS. 1( a-d), 2(a-b), and 3(a-d) illustrate a slimming and supportshapewear garment in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. Seams in the garment are shown by the stitch lines throughoutthe figures. As discussed above, the slimming and support shapeweargarment can be used in shelf bra camisoles, shelf bra tanks, shelf bratees, or other shelf bra tops, as well as shelf bra dresses, shelf brajumpsuits and rompers; open bust camisoles, open bust tanks, open busttees, or other open bust tops, as well as open bust dresses, open bustjumpsuits and rompers. FIG. 1( a-d) illustrates an shelf bra liner for ashelf bra dress, FIG. 2( a-b) illustrates an open bust liner for an openbra dress, FIG. 3( a-b) shows an assembled shelf bra dress includingshell and liner, and FIG. 3( c-d) shows an assembled open bust dressincluding liner and shell.

Garments made in accordance with the slimming and support embodimentslims, smoothes, and supports the wearer's front, side, and back torso,hip, thigh, and bust areas by providing 360° of compression plus a builtin bra-or-open bust smoother. This slimming and smoothing supportivetechnology is different from other shaping garments because it isengineered inside (ie. connected to) a sportswear item and is not aseparate shaping garment.

The slimming and support shapewear garment includes a liner and a shell,which are sewn, glued, or otherwise permanently affixed to each other toform a garment such as a shelf bra camisole, shelf bra tank, shelf bratee, other shelf bra top, shelf bra dress, shelf bra jumpsuit, shelf braromper, open bust camisole, open bust tank, open bust tee, other openbust top, open bust dress, open bust jumpsuit, or open bust romper.

FIG. 1( a) shows front face side of the liner 10, FIG. 1( b) shows theback face side of the liner 10, FIG. 1( c) shows internal view of thefront side of the liner 10, and FIG. 1( c) shows the internal view ofthe back side of the liner 10. Throughout the drawings, double arrowsindicate the grain direction of the fabric. The liner body is a circularknit stretch techsheen jersey fabric 100 composed of 96% polyester and4% spandex (+/−5%) @ 200 gm2 (+20 gm2/−10 gm2) of 20 denier (+/−10 D)and 28 gauge (+/−20 gauge). The fabric has a slick, shiny finish thatwon't cling to other fabrics and is soft against the wearer's skin. Itstretches 40.9% along the wale and 52.8% along the course (+/−5%) whentested for stretch properties (ASTM D 2594).

The liner 10 also includes shaping shelf bra liner 100′ preferably madeof the same material. However, for the shelf bra dress, the shapingliner further includes a rigid marquisette fabric insert 110 at thecenter front composed of 100% nylon @ 85 gm2. This lightweightnon-stretch webbing insert stabilizes the built-in shelf bra fromeast-west and north-south movement.

Also included in the liner 10 is an empire seam 120. A ¾″ felted picotelastic is set into the liner's empire seam 120, offering north-southbust support without the need for an additional fabric layer.

FIGS. 2( a) and 2(b) illustrate an open bust dress liner 10′. The liner10′ is of the same construction as the liner 10 of FIG. 1( a-d), exceptthat the bust liner 100′ is formed as an open bust, and as such, lacksthe insert 110 of FIG. 1. In addition, for the empire seam, the openbust liner 10′ preferably uses a ¼″ mobilon taping to stabilize theempire seam of liner body. The open bust is a four-piece open bust,including a back piece as shown in FIG. 2( b) and three front pieces(two side pieces and one center piece) as shown in FIG. 2( a).

As discussed above, slimming and support shapewear garment includes aliner 10 or 10′ and a shell 20. The shaping liner 10 or 10′ can bejoined to a limitless possibility of shell fabrics. FIGS. 3( a, b) showsthe front and back sides, respectively of a garment including shelf braliner 10 and a shell 20. FIGS. 3( c, d) shows the front and back sides,respectively of a garment 30 including open bust bra liner 10′ and ashell 20.

The garment 30 is sewn using synthetic perma core needle thread andtextured synthetic filament bottom looper thread. This threadcombination allows for maximum stretch and recovery of seams.

A Lastin elastic (such as Mobilon elastic) is used for the turned backneckline and armholes. Preferably, a ¼″ Mobilon (or other Lastin tape)is encased at turned back neckline and armholes, and ⅛″ Mobilon (orother Lastin tape) stabilizes the bottom edge.

As an example, the following are exemplary measurement for the shelf braliner 10 of FIG. 1: (measurements below reflect a woman's size MEDIUMand are half measurements):

1. Garment length from High Point Shoulder (HPS)=varies, depending onstyle

2. Across chest, 5″ from HPS=18.5″

3. Across Empire, 11.5″ from HPS=14.5″

4. Waist, 3″ from empire seam=13.5″

5. High Hip=14.5″

6. Low Hip=15.5″

7. ½ Sweep=15.5″

8. Armhole, straight=8/5″

9. Front Neck drop=varies, depending on style

10. Back Neck drop=varies, depending on style

11. Back Neck width=varies, depending on style

For the open bust liner 10′ of FIG. 2, the following are exemplarymeasurements: (measurements below reflect a woman's size MEDIUM and arehalf measurements):

1. Garment length from HPS=varies, depending on style

2. Across front, 5″ from HPS=12″

3. Across back, 5″ from HPS=11.5″

4. Across chest, 5″ from HPS=16″

5. Across Empire, 11.5″ from HPS=14.5″

6. Waist, 3″ from empire seam=14″

7. High Hip=14.5″

8. Low Hip=15.5″

9. ½ Sweep=15.5″

10. Armhole, straight=8/5″

11. Front Neck drop from HPS=10″

12. Back Neck drop=varies, depending on style

13. Back Neck width=varies, depending on style

As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, measurements forother sizes can be readily derived from the above measurements for aMedium size.

Turning to the construction and stitching, in both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,the liner's pattern pieces at the bust and top bodice are cut parallelto the natural grain direction. This allows maximum stretch toaccommodate bust projection and flexibility of fit, while limitingnorth-south movement so the bust can be supported without beingconstrained. The liner's pattern pieces at the torso, hips, and thighsare cut perpendicular to the natural grain line. This limits the stretchof the liner's circumference for maximum shaping control, while thevertical stretch allows for flexibility of fit and is easy to put on andtake off the wearer's body.

The shaping liner's side seams are joined with a 14-16 SPI hammer stitchfor chafe resistant flat seams.

For the Shelf bra liner of FIG. 1 the shaping liner offers innovativebust support by creating a shelf structure with the picot elasticinserted into the empire seam, providing north-south support. The fabricgrain provides east-west support, and the marquisette insert reinforcesnorth-south and east-west support. The shelf bra is only one piece—ascontrasted to conventional shelf bras which are two pieces—so thestructure eliminates the need for another layer of fabric to weigh downthe garment. A-B cups can comfortably wear this garment without a bra,and the garment offers the flexibility to also wear with a bra. Shelfbra lining is slightly gathered at the apex to seamlessly accommodatebust projection.

For the liners of FIGS. 1 and 2, the neckline and armholes are turnedback and encase ¼″ mobilon with a ⅛″ 2n topstitch for a clean finish.The bottom edge is clean finished with a reverse pearl edge encasing ⅛″mobilon for stability. The bumpy side of the pearl edge is placedagainst the wearer's skin to prevent liner from rolling up.

Turning to the join seam, the shaping liner (10, 10′) is attached to theshoulder seams of the shell 20 with a single needle topstitch +¼″ tacksat each shoulder edge (4 tacks total). This attachment is sewn inconjunction with a ¼″ clear silicone mobilon elastic tape. This seamconstruction stabilizes both the liner (10, 10′) and the shell 20without limiting a natural range of motion so the two garments will notfight, twist, or torque. As noted above, the liner in this embodiment ispreferably substantially free of other connection to the shell such thatthe liner has 360 degrees of freedom from the shell below the shoulderseam on 95% of the length of the liner below the shoulder seam. In theexample of FIGS. 1-3, the only connection between the shell and liner isat the shoulder seams.

The shaping liner is engineered to offer light bust support plus maximumsmoothing, shaping, and modesty protection under sportswear garmentswhile remaining stabilized and completely concealed from the outsideview.

The slimming and support garment, which comprises the shaping liner andshell, includes a number of synergistically combined features includedin the assembled product: the circular knit techsheen jersey, syntheticfilament thread, stitch techniques, anatomically inspired fit,manipulated fabric grain, and one-piece bust support sportswear item.

Slimming

FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 illustrate a slimming shapewear garment in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. As discussed above, theslimming shapewear garment can be used in camisoles, tanks, tees, orother tops, dresses, and pants. FIG. 4 (a,b) illustrate the front andback respectively of a dress liner, FIG. 5( a,b) illustrates the frontand back respectively of a pant liner, and FIG. 6 (a,b) illustrates thefront and back respectively of the pant liner of FIG. 5 together with apant shell.

The sliming shapewear technology slims and smoothes the wearer's front,side, and back torso by providing 360° of compression. This slimming andsmoothing technology is different from other shaping garments because itis engineered inside (i.e. connected to) a sportswear item and is not aseparate shaping garment.

The sliming shapewear garment includes a shaping liner and a shell.Referring to FIG. 4, a shaping liner 40 base fabric is a circular knitstretch techsheen jersey composed of 96% polyester and 4% spandex(+/−5%) @ 200 gm2 (+20 gm2/−10 gm2) of 20 denier (+/−10 D) and 28 gauge(+/−20 gauge). The fabric has a slick, shiny finish that won't cling toother fabrics and is soft against the wearer's skin. It stretches 40.9%along the wale and 52.8% along the course (+/−5%) when tested forstretch properties (ASTM D 2594). In the example of FIG. 4, the liner isshown for a dress.

The shaping liner can be joined to a limitless possibility of shellfabrics because of its unique garment construction.

The garment is sewn using synthetic perma core needle thread andtextured synthetic filament bottom looper thread. This threadcombination allows for maximum stretch and recovery of seams.

A ¼″ clear silicone mobilon elastic tape (or other Lastin tape)reinforces the join seam of the shaping liner and sportswear garment. A⅛″ clear silicone mobilon elastic tape (or other Lastin tape) is setbetween the fabric and reverse pearl filament thread stitching tostabilize the bottom opening, neckline, and armholes.

The exemplary measurements below reflect a woman's size MEDIUM and arehalf measurements:

1. Width at top edge=14.5″

2. Waist, 3″ from top edge=14″

3. High hip=14.5″

4. Low Hip=15.5″

5. Bottom Opening=15.5″

6. Garment length=varies, depending on style.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, measurements forother sizes can be readily derived from the above measurements for aMedium size.

Turning to the construction and stitching, and beginning with the graindirection: the liner's pattern pieces are cut perpendicular to thenatural grain line. This limits the stretch of the liner's circumferencefor maximum shaping control, while the vertical stretch allows forflexibility of fit and is easy to put on and take off the wearer's body.

Turning to the side seams, the shaping liner's side seams are joinedwith a 14-16 SPI hammer stitch for chafe resistant flat seams.

Turning to the bottom opening, the bottom hem is clean finished w a1/16″ reverse pearl edge with the bumpy side of the stitch against thewearer's skin to limit the lining from roll up. Mobilon (or other Lastinelastic) is set between the reverse pearl filament stitch and bodyfabric to prevent the liner from curling and to give it added strength.

Turning to the join seam, the shaping liner is merrowed to the empireseam of the sportswear shell garment (such as garments 20, 201 of FIGS.3( a-d) in conjunction with a ¼″ clear silicone mobilon elastic tape.This seam construction stabilizes both garments without limiting anatural range of motion so the two garments will not fight, twist, ortorque. As noted above, the liner in this embodiment is preferablysubstantially free of other connection to the shell such that the linerhas 360 degrees of freedom from the shell below the empire seam on 95%of the length of the liner below the empire seam. In the example of FIG.4, the only connection between the shell and liner is at the empireseam.

As for proportion, the shaping liner is engineered to offer maximumsmoothing, shaping, and modesty protection under sportswear garmentswhile remaining stabilized and completely concealed from the outsideview.

The slimming garment, which comprises the shaping liner and shell,includes a number of synergistically combined features included in theassembled product: the circular knit techsheen jersey, syntheticfilament thread, stitch techniques, anatomically inspired fit,manipulated fabric grain, and one-piece bust support sportswear item.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the slimming shapewear as applied to bottomssuch as pants, jeans, or leggings. This technology slims and smoothesthe wearer's waist, abdominals, hips, and thighs by providing 360° ofcompression. This slimming and smoothing technology is different fromother shaping garments because it is engineered inside (i.e. connectedto) a sportswear item and is not a separate shaping garment.

Referring to FIG. 5( a,b), the shaping liner 50 is made using highdenier stretch powernet. The powernet is composed of 82% nylon and 18%(+/−5%) spandex @ 180 gm2 (+/−15 gm2). It stretches 57.5% along the waleand 74.0% along the course (+/−5%) when tested for stretch properties(ASTM D 2594).

Turning to the liner gusset, the gusset area has a breathable cottongusset so the shaping garment is hygienic and sanitary to wear withoutadditionally undergarments. The gusset is backed with 100% cottonjersey.

The shaping liner 50 can be joined to a limitless possibility of shellfabrics because of our unique garment construction. FIGS. 6( a,b) showthe liner 50 of FIG. 5 secured to shell 60 in the form of pants to forman assembled garment.

The garment is sewn using synthetic perma core needle thread andtextured synthetic filament bottom looper thread. This threadcombination allows for maximum stretch and recovery of seams.

The measurements below reflect a woman's size MEDIUM and are halfmeasurements.)

1. Waist=varies, depending on style

2. Thigh, 1″ below crotch=8.5″

3. Inseam, from bottom edge to bottom edge=17.75″

4. Gusset width at center=1.5″

5. Gusset length at center=4.75″

6. Front rise from top edge to gusset seam=6.25″

7. Back rise from top edge to gusset seam=8.75″

8. Leg opening at bottom edge=7.5″

Turning to the construction and stitching, beginning with the graindirection: the liner's pattern pieces are cut parallel to the naturalgrain line. With regard to inseams, the shaping liner 50 does not haveside seams. The hip and thigh panels wrap around the leg in one piecefor maximum slimming and shaping control. The seams are merrowedinternally for a clean finish that won't show through clothing. Turningto the gusset, the shaping liner has a sanitary cotton gusset backedwith 100% cotton jersey. This eliminates the need to wear the shapinggarment with additional undergarments. The gusset is merrowed internallyusing stretch filament thread for a clean finish. With regard to thebottom opening, the bottom hem is left raw so it remains invisiblebeneath the sportswear shell. The liner 50 is secured to the shell 60 atthe waistband. As noted above, the liner in this embodiment ispreferably substantially free of other connection to the shell such thatthe liner has 360 degrees of freedom from the shell below the waistbandon 95% of the length of the liner below the empire seam. In the exampleof FIGS. 5-6, the only connection between the shell and liner is at thewaistband.

With regard to proportion, the shaping liner 50 is engineered to offermaximum smoothing, shaping, and modesty protection under sportsweargarments while remaining stabilized and completely concealed from theoutside view.

The slimming bottom garment, which comprises the shaping liner andshell, includes a number of synergistically combined features includedin the assembled product, including a stretch powernet, syntheticfilament thread, stitch techniques, and anatomically inspired fit toprovide a sportswear item.

Rear Enhancing

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a rear enhancing shapewear garment inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As discussedabove, the rear enhancing shapewear garment can be used in skirts,pants, jeans, and shorts. FIGS. 7 (a,b) illustrate the front and backrespectively of a rear enhancing liner 70 from the face side. FIG. 7(c,d) illustrates the front and back of the liner 70 from the inside, andFIG. 8( a,b) illustrates the front and back respectively of the liner 70of FIG. 7 together with a skirt shell 80 to form a rear enhancinggarment 90.

The rear enhancing shapewear garment 90 slims, smoothes the wearer'ships, thighs, and waist while supporting and lifting the gluteal areausing 360° of compression and anatomically designed pattern pieces. Thisslimming, smoothing, and supportive technology is different from othershaping garments because it is engineered inside (i.e. connected to) asportswear item and is not a separate shaping garment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the shaping liner's base fabric 700 is a circularknit stretch techsheen jersey composed of 96% polyester and 4% spandex(+/−5%) @ 200 gm2 (+20 gm2/−10 gm2) of 20 denier (+/−10 D) and 28 gauge(+/−20 gauge). The fabric has a slick, shiny finish that won't cling toother fabrics and is soft against the wearer's skin. It stretches 40.9%along the wale and 52.8% along the course (+/−5%) when tested forstretch properties (ASTM D 2594).

The outer thigh, hip, and gluteal areas are reinforced with stretchpowernet 710 for targeted slimming, smoothing, and support. The powernetis composed of 82% nylon and 18% (+/−5%) spandex @ 180 gm2 (+/−15 gm2).It stretches 57.5% along the wale and 74.0% along the course (+/−5%)when tested for stretch properties (ASTM D 2594).

The gusset area 730 has a breathable cotton gusset so the shapinggarment is hygienic and sanitary to wear without additionallyundergarments. The gusset is backed with 100% cotton jersey.

The shaping liner 70 can be joined to a limitless possibility of shellfabrics because of our unique garment construction. FIG. 8 shows theliner 70 joined with shell 80 in the form of a skirt to form a rearenhancing shapewear garment 90.

The garment 90 is sewn using synthetic perma core needle thread andtextured synthetic filament bottom looper thread. This threadcombination allows for maximum stretch and recovery of seams.

A ¼″ clear silicone mobilon elastic tape reinforces the waistband seamof the shaping liner and sportswear garment. A ⅛″ clear silicone mobilonelastic tape is set between the fabric and reverse pearl filament threadstitching to stabilize the bottom opening.

The measurements below reflect a woman's size MEDIUM and are halfmeasurements:

1. Waist=varies, depending on style

2. Thigh, 1″ below crotch=9″

3. Leg Opening=8.5″

4. Front Rise from top edge to gusset seam=6.25″

5. Back Rise from top edge to gusset seam=11.25″

6. Front inseam from bttm edge to bttm edge=14.5″

7. Back inseam from bttm edge to bttm edge=14.5″

8. Total interior seam panel at bottom edge=4″

9. Gusset width at center=2″

9. Gusset length at center=4″

Turning to the construction and stitching, and beginning with the graindirection, the liner body's techsheen jersey pattern pieces 700 are cutperpendicular to the natural grain line, the stretch powernet panels 710at wearer's hips, thighs, and under the gluteus maximus are cut parallelto the natural grain, and cotton gusset 730 is cut parallel to thenatural grain line.

The shaping liner 70's double inseams are joined with 4 needle 6 threadflatlock coverstitch-or-safety 14-16 SPI hammer stitch for chaferesistant flat seams. The double inseam construction allows the garmentto wrap around the leg in one large piece to maximize the garment'sslimming capabilities. The cotton gusset 730 is set into the body with 4needle 6 thread flatlock coverstitch-or-3 needle 5 thread coverstitchplus 5 thread safety stitch for chafe resistant flat seams.

To reinforce the powernet 710, the stretch powernet panels 710 arepatched behind the techsheen body for additional shaping control. Theside powernet panels slim and smooth outer hips and thighs. The backpanel is shaped like an apple so while it slims the outside leg itlifts, supports, and emphasizes the gluteal area and creates a light“shelf” for the bottom glute curve to rest on.

The stretch powernet reinforcement panels are set behind the liner with3/16″ zig zag stitching. This stitch pattern allows the garment to havea wider range of stretch and recovery than conventional straightstitching.

Turning to the bottom opening, the bottom hem is clean finished w a1/16″ reverse pearl edge with the bumpy side of the stitch against thewearer's skin to prevent lining roll up. As for the join seam, theshaping liner is merrowed to the waistband of the sportswear shellgarment in conjunction with a ¼″ clear silicone mobilon elastic tape.This seam construction stabilizes both garments without limiting anatural range of motion so the two garments will not fight, twist, ortorque. As noted above, the liner in this embodiment is preferablysubstantially free of other connection to the shell such that the linerhas 360 degrees of freedom from the shell below the waistband on 95% ofthe length of the liner below the empire seam. In the example of FIGS.7-8, the only connection between the shell and liner is at thewaistband.

As to proportion, the shaping liner is engineered to offer maximumsmoothing, shaping, and modesty protection under sportswear garmentswhile remaining stabilized and completely concealed from the outsideview.

The rear garment, which comprises the shaping liner and shell, includesa number of synergistically combined features included in the assembledproduct, including circular knit techsheen jersey, a stretch powernet,synthetic filament thread, stitch techniques, anatomically inspired fit,and manipulated fabric grain.

Tummy Control

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a tummy control shapewear garment inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As discussedabove, the rear enhancing shapewear garment can be used in skirts,pants, jeans, and shorts. FIGS. 9 (a,b) illustrate the front and backrespectively of a tummy control liner 200 from the face side. FIG. 10(a,b) illustrates the front and back respectively of the liner 200 ofFIG. 9 together with a pant shell 400 to form a tummy control shapeweargarment 300.

The tummy control shapewear garment slims and smoothes the abdominalarea—specifically the lower abdominus rectus—by providing 360° ofcompression. This slimming and smoothing technology is different fromother shaping garments because it is engineered inside (i.e. connectedto) a sportswear item and is not a separate shaping garment.

\ Referring to FIGS. 9( a,b), the shaping liner 200's base fabric is astretch powernet. The powernet is composed of 82% nylon and 18% (+/−5%)spandex @ 180 gm2 (+/−15 gm2). It stretches 57.5% along the wale and74.0% along the course (+/−5%) when tested for stretch properties (ASTMD 2594). Alternatively, the shaping liner 200's base fabric can be astretch powernet composed of 80% nylon and 20% (+/−5%) spandex @ 5.1 ozper square yard (+/−15 gm2).

The shaping liner 200 can be joined to a limitless possibility of shellfabrics because of our unique garment construction. As illustrated inFIG. 10( a,b), the shaping liner 200 is show joined to a pant shell 400to form a tummy control shapewear garment 300.

The garment 300 is sewn using synthetic perma core needle thread andtextured synthetic filament bottom looper thread. This threadcombination allows for maximum stretch and recovery of seams.

The measurements for the liner 200, for use with pants, jeans, skirts,and shorts is:

1. Across bottom of liner back of FIG. 9( b), reference numeral 210=18″

2. Height of outer sides of liner front of FIG. 9( a), reference numeral220=5.5″

3. Height of interior sides of liner front of FIG. 9( a), referencenumeral 230=5″

Turning to the construction and stitching, and beginning with the graindirection, the liner 200's pattern pieces 250, 260, 270 are cut parallelto the natural grain line.

Beginning with the side seams 275, to join the three pieces 250, 260,270, the shaping liner 200's side seams are joined with 4 needle 6thread flatlock coverstitch-or-3 needle 5 thread coverstitch +5 threadsafety stitch for chafe resistant flat seams. The lining side seams arenot sewn into the side seams of the sportswear shell 400 to preventgarment torque.

The powernet liner is single layer at front liner panels 260, 270 anddouble layered at back liner panel 250. The shell pant's pocket bagsextend from side seam to center front zipper acting as additionalslimming support for the powernet.

Unlike conventional shaping garments having shaping panels only at thefront of the sportswear shell, the tummy control shapewear garment 300provides 360° of compression to securely anchor the tummy shaper to thebody and achieve significantly more cross pull than front panel shapersoffer.

The bottom edge 280 of the liner 200 is left raw so ridges and bumps donot show through the garment shell when worn.

Turning to the join seam, the shaping liner 200 is clean finished behindthe center front zipper 295 facing and around the waistband so it iseasy to step into, highly aesthetic, and secure inside the garment. Thetop edge 290 is sewn into the waistband of the shell 400.

As for proportion, the shaping liner is engineered to offer maximumsmoothing, shaping, and modesty protection under sportswear garmentswhile remaining stabilized and completely concealed from the outsideview.

The tummy control shapewear garment, which comprises the shaping linerand shell, includes a number of synergistically combined featuresincluded in the assembled product, including the three piece powernetliner, synthetic filament thread, stitch techniques, anatomicallyinspired fit, and 360° cross pull in sportswear item.

Smoothing and Slimming

FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 illustrate a smoothing and sliming shapeweargarment 700 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,in the form of a dress, and FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a smoothing andsliming shapewear garment in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention, in the form of a skirt. As discussed above, thesmoothing and sliming shapewear garment can be used in skirts, dresses,pants, tanks, tops, and camisoles.

FIGS. 11 (a,b) illustrate the front and back respectively of a dressshell 600 from the face side. FIG. 12( a,b) illustrates the front andback respectively of the shell 600 from the internal side, and includinga liner 610 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 13( a,b) illustrates the front and back respectively of the shell600 from the internal side, and including in addition to liner 610,additional liners 620 and 630 in accordance with an further embodimentof the present invention.

The smoothing and slimming shapewear garment 700 smoothes the wearer'sbody using 360° of light compression. Additional slimming support isadded in with ergonomically shaped panels that offer targeted andspecific body shaping.

The shaping garment shell 600 is mainly composed of a circular doubleknit stretch jersey composed of 96% polyester fibers and 4% spandex(+/−5%) @ 270 gm2(+/−15 gm2). The technical backside of the fabric isused for the garment face so this highly technical fabric looksdeceptively casual. It stretches 41.7% along the wale (+/−5%) whentested for stretch properties (ASTM D 2594).

The shaping liner 610, 620, 630's fabric is a high denier stretchpowernet for targeted slimming, smoothing, and support. The powernet iscomposed of 82% nylon and 18% (+/−5%) spandex @ 180 gm2 (+/−15 gm2). Itstretches 57.5% along the wale and 74.0% along the course (+/−5%) whentested for stretch properties (ASTM D 2594). The shaping liner 610extends in a front center region of the dress, below the empire seam, toprovide smoothing and sliming. The shaping liner 620, which is optional,extend upward from the empire seam in the front of the dress andprovides a shelf bra. The shaping liner 630 extends upward for theempire seam in the back of the dress for shelf bra support.

The garment 700 is sewn using synthetic perma core needle thread andtextured synthetic filament bottom looper thread. This threadcombination allows for maximum stretch and recovery of seams

In embodiments such as FIG. 13 which include a Shelf Bra, such asdresses (as in FIG. 13), but also optionally in camisoles, tanks, orother tops, a ¾″ felted picot elastic is set inside the garment for bustsupport.

In embodiments, such as FIGS. 15, 16, which include waistband, such asskirts (as in FIG. 15, 16) but also pants, a ¼″ clear silicone mobilonelastic tape stabilizes the waistband seam.

Measurements for the smoothing and slimming embodiment vary depending onstyle, however fit must be close to body in order to smooth and shape.

Turning to the construction and stitching, and beginning with graindirection, the liner 610, 620, 630's pattern pieces are cut parallel tothe natural grain line.

Turning to the side seams (where applicable), the smoothing garment'sside seams 640 are joined with 4 needle 6 thread flatlockcoverstitch-or-3 needle 5 thread coverstitch +5 thread safety stitch forchafe resistant flat seams.

The liner seams 650 may be merrowed and top stitched with 3/16″ zig zag,for example. Further, the liner panel 610 can optionally beergonomically curved outward in the area of the abdomen.

The slimming and smoothing garment provides ergonomic shaping controlthrough the inclusion of additional shaping support set behind thegarment body in the form of the powernet lining 610, 620, 630. Thedouble layer of shaping fabrics results in firm shaping control.

Referring to the optional shelf bra (shown for a dress in FIG. 13, butalso available in Camisoles, Tanks, and Tops), the stretch powernetlines the front and back top bodice to create an internal shelf bralining providing moderate allover bust support.

The shelf bra bottom edge is finished with a felted picot elastic foradditional north-south bust support.

The additional shaping provided by the powernet liners (610, 620, 630)can also be used enhance other part(s) of the body covered by thegarment. Additional shaping applications include Tummy, Waist, Back,Hips, Thighs and Arms. The smoothing and slimming is engineered so theshaping garment remains one piece like traditional sportswear, providingmaximum figure flattering solutions at a garment weight and consumptionminimum.

Referring to the illustrated skirt of FIGS. 14 and 15, FIG. 14( a,b)show the front and back of the face side of the slimming and smoothingembodiment in the form of a skirt, and FIGS. 15( a, b) show the frontand back of the interior side of the slimming and smoothing embodimentof FIG. 14.

The shaping garment shell 950 is mainly composed of a circular doubleknit stretch jersey composed of 96% polyester fibers and 4% spandex(+/−5%) @ 270 gm2(+/−15 gm2). The technical backside of the fabric isused for the garment face so this highly technical fabric looksdeceptively casual. It stretches 41.7% along the wale (+/−5%) whentested for stretch properties (ASTM D 2594).

The shaping liner 960's fabric is a high denier stretch powernet fortargeted slimming, smoothing, and support. The powernet is composed of82% nylon and 18% (+/−5%) spandex @ 180 gm2 (+/−15 gm2). It stretches57.5% along the wale and 74.0% along the course (+/−5%) when tested forstretch properties (ASTM D 2594). The Liner 960 extends in outer panels960.1, 960.2 extending downward from the waistline to the bottom, and acentral lower abdomen panel 960.3 extending downward in a taper from thewaistband until joining the center seam 990. Seams in the garment 900are shown by the stitch lines in the Figure.

The tummy control shapewear garment, which comprises the shaping linerand shell, includes a number of synergistically combined featuresincluded in the assembled product, including the circular knit smoothingjersey, synthetic filament thread, stitch techniques, and stretchpowernet targeted shaping providing a sportswear item.

Although the invention is described above with reference to thesespecific exemplary embodiments, it is evident that various modificationsand changes may be made thereto without departing for the broader spiritand scope of the invention. The specification and drawings areaccordingly to be regarded in an illustrative manner rather than arestrictive sense.

1. A shape enhancing garment, comprising a garment shell and a garmentlining permanently affixed to the shell to form a garment, the garmentlining being stretchable 40-100% along the wale and 50-100% along thecourse, the garment lining sized to apply compression to a body of awearer of the garment.
 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garmentlining is one or more of a circular knit fabric consisting essentiallyof spandex and polyester, which stretches 40-100% along the wale and50-100% along the course; and a stretch powernet fabric consistingessentially of spandex and nylon, which stretches 50-100% along the waleand 50-100 along the course.
 3. The shape enhancing garment according toclaim 1, wherein either: the garment is selected from the groupconsisting of dresses, jumpers, and rompers, wherein a grain of thegarment liner is horizontally across the garment, wherein the garmentliner is secured to an empire seam of the garment shell, and wherein thegarment liner extends downward from the empire seam to surround at leasta torso, buttocks, and outer thighs of the wearer to provide compressionthereof; or the garment is a top, wherein a grain of the garment lineris horizontally across the garment, wherein the garment liner is securedto an empire seam of the garment shell, and wherein the garment linerextends downward from the empire seam to surround at least a torso ofthe wearer to provide compression thereof.
 4. The shape enhancinggarment according to claim 3, wherein the liner is substantially free ofother connection to the shell such that the liner has 360 degrees offreedom from the shell below the empire seam on 95% of the length of theliner below the empire seam.
 5. The shape enhancing garment according toclaim 1, wherein either: the garment is selected from the groupconsisting of dresses, jumpers, and rompers, wherein a grain of thegarment liner is horizontally across the garment, wherein the garmentliner includes a pair of shoulder straps defining arm holes for thegarment liner, the liner shoulder straps secured to a shoulder seamallowance of the garment shell, and wherein the garment liner extendsdownward from the arm holes to surround at least a torso, buttocks, andouter thighs of the wearer to provide compression thereof; or thegarment is a top, wherein a grain of the garment liner is horizontallyacross the garment, wherein the garment liner includes a pair ofshoulder straps defining arm holes for the garment liner, the linershoulder straps secured to a shoulder seam allowance of the garmentshell, and wherein the garment liner extends downward from the arm holesto surround at least a torso of the wearer to provide compressionthereof.
 6. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 5, whereinthe liner is substantially free of other connection to the shell suchthat the liner has 360 degrees of freedom from the shell below the linershoulder straps on 95% of the length of the liner below the linershoulder straps.
 7. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 5,wherein the liner further includes a shelf bra, the shelf bra includinga rigid center front fabric insert and an empire seam, an elastic tapesewn into the empire seam to provide bust support.
 8. The shapeenhancing garment according to claim 5, wherein the liner includes afourth piece open bust and an empire seam, a lastin elastic tape sewninto the empire seam.
 9. The shape enhancing garment according to claim5, wherein the liner is a circular knit fabric consisting essentially ofspandex and polyester, which stretches 40-100% along the wale and50-100% along the course.
 10. The shape enhancing garment according toclaim 5, wherein the liner is a stretch powernet fabric consistingessentially of spandex and nylon, which stretches 50-100% along the waleand 50-100 along the course.
 11. The shape enhancing garment accordingto claim 1, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting ofpants, shorts, and skirts, wherein the garment liner is formed in theshape of shorts, wherein a grain of the garment liner is verticallyalong the garment, wherein the garment liner is secured to waistband ofthe garment shell, wherein the garment liner extends downward from thewaistband to surround at least a buttocks, inner and outer thighs of thewearer to provide compression thereof, and wherein the liner has noseams on the outer thigh.
 12. The shape enhancing garment according toclaim 11, wherein the liner is a stretch powernet fabric consistingessentially of spandex and nylon, which stretches 50-100% along the waleand 50-100 along the course.
 13. The shape enhancing garment accordingto claim 1, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting ofpants, shorts, and skirts, wherein the garment liner is formed in theshape of shorts, wherein the liner is secured to a waistband of thegarment shell, wherein the liner is a circular knit fabric consistingessentially of spandex and polyester, which stretches 40-100% along thewale and 50-100% along the course, and wherein the circular knit fabricis reinforced with stretch powernet panels at a wearers hips, rearthighs, and under the buttocks, the stretch powernet fabric consistingessentially of spandex and nylon, which stretches 50-100% along the waleand 50-100 along the course.
 14. The shape enhancing garment accordingto claim 1, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting ofpants, shorts, and skirts, wherein the garment liner is secured to awaistband of the garment shell, wherein the garment liner is a threepart garment liner, the three part garment liner having two front panelsand a back panel, each of the panels secured at a side seam, the frontpanels and rear panel being a stretch powernet fabric consistingessentially of spandex and nylon, which stretches 50-100% along the waleand 50-100 along the course, wherein a grain of the garment liner isvertically along the garment.
 15. The shape enhancing garment accordingto claim 14, wherein the front panels have a single layer of the stretchpowernet, and the rear panel has a double layer of the stretch powernet.16. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 14, wherein thegarment is selected from the group consisting of pants and shorts, andthe liner is further secured to the garment at a center front zipper ofthe garment.
 17. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 1,wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting of pants,shorts, dresses and skirts, wherein the garment is a circular knitfabric consisting essentially of spandex and polyester, which stretches40-100% along the wale and 50-100% along the course, wherein the garmentliner is a stretch powernet fabric consisting essentially of spandex andnylon, which stretches 50-100% along the wale and 50-100 along thecourse.
 18. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 17, whereinthe garment is a dress, and the liner extends from an empire seam of thegarment downward over the center abdomen.
 19. The shape enhancinggarment according to claim 18, wherein the liner extends up from theempire seam to provide front and back bust support.
 20. The shapeenhancing garment according to claim 17, wherein the garment is selectedfrom the group consisting of pants, shorts, and skirts, and wherein theliner extends downward from the waistband along the hips and lowerabdomen of the wearer.